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Police have apologised for issuing a statement calling a missing woman a "half-caste".

Waitemata police yesterday released the statement saying they had fears for the safety of 48-year-old Francis Maree Manufui - who was described as half-caste Samoan/European.

But soon after it was released a replacement statement was issued from police national headquarters minus the word and with an apology.

Chief media adviser Jon Neilson apologised for the statement that was issued by spokesman Kevin Loughlin.

He said there was an "incorrect ethnic term" used in the description of Ms Manufui. "On behalf of police and Kevin we apologise for this error. It is not an acceptable term and we acknowledge and apologise for any offence caused."

Police spokeswoman Annie Coughlan said no complaints had been received and the offending term was removed by police themselves.

As far as she was aware no disciplinary action would be taken.

Ms Manufui was last seen on Saturday when she told friends at the Auckland City Mission that she might go to Hamilton by bus.

About 8.30 that night she phoned staff at the residential facility in Te Atatu South she was staying in and told them she was in New Lynn and was on her way home.

She didn't arrive and failed to answer repeated phone calls.

She is described as a Samoan/European, of medium to solid build, weighing 83kg. She is 1.65 metres tall with dark brown hair and brown pigmentation colouring under both ears.